Government responds to more delays at promised new school in Newcastle
The Government insists it's working to build a new school in Great Park
The Schools minister is promising to meet with Newcastle North MP Cat McKinnell - over more delays to the building of a new school in the city.
Families were promised a new, permanent building for Great Park Academy - originally meant to open in 2020. But parents, waiting to find school places for their children, were told last week the new building won't be ready until Summer 2025, with the middle and secondary school currently operating out of temporary accommodation at Gosforth Academy instead.
Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell complained last week that the delays had become “totally unacceptable”, with the latest problem being blamed on the Department for Education (DfE) failing in a procurement process to find a contractor to build the school.
A DfE spokesperson said:
“We are working as quickly as possible to appoint a new contractor to progress the school building project and understand the frustration of the school community. We are working with Great Park Academy and the local authority to minimise disruption to children’s education.
“The Schools Minister Nick Gibb is aware of the issue and will meet Catherine McKinnell MP to update her on the Department’s plan of action”
The academy opened at the temporary buildings in 2021, with education chiefs needing to address an urgent shortage of school places in Newcastle.
Previous delays to the new school being built were caused by a prolonged planning battle over the next phase of development at the Great Park and then the disruption resulting from the Covid pandemic.
In a newsletter for parents, school principal Denise Waugh and CEO Hugh Robinson said they were “very disappointed” by the latest setback.
The school leaders insisted that they would “continue to provide an excellent learning experience” and that students would have access to specialist teaching areas within Gosforth Academy and other Gosforth Group schools.
Ms McKinnell last week: “The further delay, as a result of the Department for Education’s processes, is deeply frustrating and I know will cause huge concern and anxiety for parents. Earlier this year, I met with the Gosforth Group, and raised the matter in Parliament, securing a meeting with the then schools minister on this issue.
“In light of the news, I have asked for an urgent meeting with the current schools minister. I will continue to support pupils, parents, and the school in pressing the Department for Education to resolve these issues urgently and ensure that the funding and support is put in place to ensure our young people are not disadvantaged as a result of these totally unacceptable delays.”